“Challenge and Success”: Producing a Journey of Dance and Music in Syria”
Introduction
My name is Khalil, an Argentine with Syrian roots, and I embarked on a unique adventure: producing and touring a dance and music show in Syria. This article narrates the fascinating journey from the show’s conceptualization to the challenges I faced and the impact this project had on the local community.
Motivation
My connection to Syria, the ancestral land of my grandparents, and the desire to offer a culturally enriching experience were the main motivations behind this project. Although I initially doubted the feasibility of the project, the locals’ enthusiasm for dance and celebrations offered an ideal setting for a dance and music production that could connect with Syria’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Cultural Context
Despite its economic challenges, Syria has a rich cultural tradition of performances and celebrations, where weddings are at the heart of social life. Families make extraordinary sacrifices to organize grand weddings with music and dance. However, as a foreigner in such a complex cultural and political context, I faced a mountain of challenges in establishing a dance company amid this reality.
Concept and Production
Show Conceptualization: I created a show that fused traditional elements with modern innovations, reflecting both Syria’s cultural richness and my artistic vision. I chose a traditional celebration model that combines dance and live music with natural instruments. This type of show is performed in both public venues and large banquet halls.
Cast and Costume Development
Finding dancers and an adequate rehearsal space was just the beginning of a series of obstacles. After an open call, we received numerous enthusiastic young people without professional training. Over two intensive months, I transformed these teenagers into capable dancers. Additionally, designing original costumes with local artisans not only added authenticity but also posed a significant challenge.
Debut
The show debuted in the tourist village of Fairouzeh, in the city of Homs. There, I embarked on the production of an outdoor show to celebrate the start of the summer season in Syria. This event was a great success, with attendance from the village inhabitants and nearby towns, demonstrating the interest and appreciation for our cultural offering.
Touring Syria
After the debut, we embarked on a tour across the country, bringing the show to various cities and regions. Organizing transportation and coordinating the group of dancers in such a diverse environment presented unique challenges but also allowed us to discover Syria’s cultural richness.
Notable Collaborations
During the tours, we collaborated with renowned artists and singers like Melhem Zein, which added an extra dimension to our performances and strengthened the show’s impact.
Impact and Reflections
The tour not only provided entertainment but also offered young dancers a platform to develop and grow artistically. The show had a significant impact on the community, offering a new form of entertainment for celebrations.
Personally, this experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges. The passion for dance and commitment to Syrian culture were essential to the project’s success, proving that with dedication and vision, it is possible to turn a dream into reality.
Technical Summary
• Project Duration: 3 months (including production, tour, and shows) (May to August 2024)
• Costume Production: 10 original costumes designed and crafted with local artisans
• Number of Dancers and Artists: 20
• Regions: 2 (Homs and Hama, including Wadi El Nasara)
• Towns: Fairouzeh, Zaidal, Al Hawash, Kfarbo
• Number of Shows: 11
• Types of Events Participated: Weddings, baptisms, welcome parties, music festivals
• Featured Artists: Melhem Zein
• Highlighted Events: Mar Elias Festival
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and for sharing this incredible journey with me. I sincerely appreciate your support, and I hope you enjoyed learning more about this special project. I look forward to seeing you in future projects, where we will continue creating and sharing new experiences together.
KHALIL KHALIL 